How-To author: Rangerguy

Original thread: https://www.ranger-forums.com/f59/do...ni-how-102349/


Let the modding Begin!!

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LED Components used

Recently I installed LEDs in my Door Pins that flash in sync with the Dash THEFT Light. It's a pretty easy install, just be patient and it will go smoothly. This is a much simplified mod based on Mods by John Griggs - (N3ELZ) and Bob (rwenzing), kudos to John and Bob for their contributions and many, many posts here on R-F. I chose this very simple mod to display with my THEFT Light ONLY and will NOT indicate unlocked or locked status.

First buy or make some LEDs for the Door Pins, make sure you have resistors for your LEDs. You can get some LEDs and resistors online at a number of vendors, or you can get LEDs with resistors already soldered in place. I had wire, wire taps, tape and shrink tubing left over from previous projects.

I got my red LEDs and LED clips from:

All Electronics | Electronic and Electro-Mechanical Parts and Supplies at Discount Prices

I purchased 2 5mm LEDs and 2 LED clips. My LEDs are red, you could use any color I imagine, since my stock THEFT light is red, I chose red.

ALWAYS disconnect the battery before commencing work on the electrical system. Be careful and work patiently and safely and this can be done by most Ranger Owners. The usual disclaimers apply R-F and myself are not responsible for any damages to your truck or vehicle components.

On 2001~2006 even with manual locks, this mod can be done. With this Mod, the LED(s) would flash whenever the THEFT light does but they would NOT indicate lock or unlock. Connect the positive side of the new LED(s) to +12v, always hot. I used the smaller red wire taps.

Connect the negative side of the new LED(s) to the dark blue/light green of the Dash Instrument cluster. It's located just to the right of the cluster when you pull off the Upper Dash Panel.

I ran the tapped wires above under the dash, through the door wiring boots and into the door pin openings as shown. It can be a pain to get the wires thru the boots but be careful and patient and it can be done. I snaked a 16 gauge wire thru the door boots with my tapped wires taped to the 16 gauge wire and pulled them into the door. I used 3/8" flex tubing for a wire conduit for protection and to keep the wires secure and out of the way of any moving components such as windows and door lock motors. I secured the wires along the existing factory door wiring for a secure and easily accessible point for future additonal mods, i.e electric door locks & switches, etc.

Once you get the wires up thru the door pin holes, I pushed the LED in the LED clip and pushed it gently into the door pin opening in the door panels. Leave a few inches of slack so you can remove the LEDs from the door panel for future removal. Be careful and they will pop in gently. You can use a tiny dab of silicone to help keep the LED clips in place.

Total cost was about 10-15 bucks including LEDs, LED clips and Flexible Wire Tubing (available at any auto parts store). I also ran some flex tubing under the dash and used a liberal amount of tape to protect the wires especially where it might rub or contact anything under the dash or in the doors.

Special thanks to Bob-rwenzing for answering my questions and his excellent posts and also to John Griggs-N3ELZ for his posts and all others who have posted on Door and Dash LEDs.

Any comments or corrections are welcome. PM with any questions you may have about this and please bear with me as this is my first attempt at Posting a How-To.

Thanks all!